A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Yosemite National Park vs. Yellowstone National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a world-famous, stunning, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking, vast, and world-famous national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park?

Both Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Yosemite National Park is famous for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Yellowstone National Park is famous for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife.

How is Yosemite National Park different from Yellowstone National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park both to be reasonable destinations.

Yosemite National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.

Is Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park Better for Resorts?

Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Yosemite National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yellowstone National Park. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

Is Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park both have first-rate trails.

People visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Many people visit Yellowstone National Park specifically for its hiking. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

Is Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park.

Yosemite National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Yellowstone National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

Is Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park make for a high quality place to visit.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Yellowstone National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

Is Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park are first-rate destinations for backpackers.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Many backpackers frequent Yellowstone National Park. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

Is Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yosemite National Park is a popular place for its public transit. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Yosemite National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Public transit is quite limited in Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.

Is Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park a more walkable city?

Yosemite National Park is a national park with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Yosemite National Park is generally not very walkable. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable national park. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is Yosemite National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Yellowstone National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yellowstone National Park or Yosemite National Park?

How long in Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park?

Both Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Yosemite National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Yellowstone National Park. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Yosemite National Park, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.

Families should spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Yellowstone National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Yosemite National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Yellowstone National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Yosemite National Park that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Yellowstone National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Yosemite National Park.

One day in Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking national park of Yosemite National Park. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The national park of Yellowstone National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yosemite National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the hiking. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The popular destination of Yellowstone National Park offers . This national park offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park?

Yosemite National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yellowstone National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park?

Yosemite National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Most people visit for the hiking. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Yellowstone National Park is a fun place to experience. The destination of Yellowstone National Park offers . It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park, we can see that Yellowstone National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yosemite National Park Expensive? and Is Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.